1. Developing a Musical
The musical can start in several ways. It may be inspired by an original work such as a book or a movie . . .

2. Developing a Musical
The musical can start in several ways. It may be inspired by an original work such as a book or a movie . . .

3. Developing a Musical
The musical can start in several ways. It may be inspired by an original work such as a book or a movie . . .

4. Developing a Musical
The musical can start in several ways. It may be inspired by an original work such as a book or a movie . . .

5. Developing a Musical
The musical can start in several ways. It may be inspired by an original work such as a book or a movie . . .

6. Developing a Musical

7. Developing a Musical
The musical can start in several ways. It may be inspired by an original work such as a book or a movie . . .

8. Developing a Musical
The musical can start in several ways. It may be inspired by an original work such as a book or a movie . . .

9. Developing a Musical
The musical can start in several ways. It may be inspired by an original work such as a book or a movie or history . . .

10. Developing a Musical
The musical can start in several ways. It may be inspired by an original work such as a book or a movie or history . . .

11. Developing a Musical
The musical can start in several ways. It may be inspired by an original work such as a book or a movie, or it may come from a completely new idea developed by a playwright.

12. Developing a Musical
Once there is a script, or “book,” the writer contacts a composer and/or lyricist. They begin creating music and lyrics to go with the piece.

13. Developing a Musical
This is not always true, however. There have been musicals developed with only a vague concept and the music has been more important that the script.

14. Developing a Musical
This is not always true, however. There have been musicals developed with only a vague concept and the music has been more important that the script. The musical “Nunsense” started with some humorous postcards that were later turned into skits and songs that were even later linked together to form a full show.

15. Developing a Musical
Once the playwright, composer and lyricist are happy with a draft of the show, they decide to produce the show or look for a theatre to perform the show.

16. Developing a Musical
Once the playwright, composer and lyricist are happy with a draft of the show, they decide to produce the show or look for a theatre to perform the show. If the show is accepted, they begin auditions for actors and choose a director.

17. Developing a Musical
At this point, a creative team is brought in to help with the production.

18. Developing a Musical
At this point, a creative team is brought in to help with the production. This includes the Costume Designer. . .

19. Developing a Musical
At this point, a creative team is brought in to help with the production. This includes the Costume Designer, the Lighting Designer. . .

20. Developing a Musical
At this point, a creative team is brought in to help with the production. This includes the Costume Designer, the Lighting Designer, the Set Designer. . .

21. Developing a Musical
At this point, a creative/ design team is brought in to help with the production. This includes the Costume Designer, the Lighting Designer, the Set Designer and the Sound Designer.

22. Developing a Musical
Choreography, or dance movement, is also developed by a Choreographer who tries to enhance the song and lyrics through the movements of the actors.

23. In addition, there may be a Props Master,
Developing a Musical
In addition, there may be a Props Master,

24. In addition, there may be a Props Master, Stage Manager,
Developing a Musical
In addition, there may be a Props Master, Stage Manager,

25. Developing a Musical
In addition, there may be a Props Master, Stage Manager, and Assistant Stage Manager.

26. Developing a Musical
These people all bring their expertise to the production to better help the Director, Playwright, Composer and Lyricist bring their artistic vision to life.

27. In the meantime, actors are rehearsing.
Developing a Musical
In the meantime, actors are rehearsing.

28. Developing a Musical
In the meantime, actors are practicing their lines, songs and “blocking.”

29. Developing a Musical
In the meantime, actors are practicing their lines, songs and “blocking.” “Blocking” means their movements on the stage.

30. Developing a Musical
In the meantime, actors are practicing their lines, songs and “blocking.” “Blocking” means their movements on the stage. Although their movements may appear to be spontaneous, the actions of the characters are carefully planned and rehearsed.

31. Developing a Musical
Tech Week – After weeks of rehearsal, it is time to put all the elements of the play together into one, organic whole.

32. Developing a Musical
Tech Week – After weeks of rehearsal, it is time to put all the elements of the play together into one, organic whole. Hopefully, the set is now complete and the actors can rehearse on it.

33. Developing a Musical
Tech Week – After weeks of rehearsal, it is time to put all the elements of the play together into one, organic whole. Hopefully, the set is now complete and the actors can rehearse on it.

34. Developing a Musical
Tech Week – Lighting technicians hang and focus lights on the stage. Light cues are rehearsed.

35. Tech Week – Sound cues are incorporated into the action.
Developing a Musical
Tech Week – Sound cues are incorporated into the action.

36. Developing a Musical
Tech Week – Actors practice with all of the props. Make up is used and experimented with.

37. Developing a Musical
Tech Week – Actors practice with all of the props. Make up is used and experimented with.

38. Developing a Musical
Tech Week – Actors practice with all of the props. Last minute adjustments are made to costumes.

39. Developing a Musical
Dress Rehearsal – Actors practice with all of the props and run the show as if they are in front of a live audience.

40. Developing a Musical
Dress Rehearsal – Actors practice with all of the props and run the show as if they are in front of a live audience.

41. Developing a Musical
Dress Rehearsal – Actors practice with all of the props and run the show as if they are in front of a live audience.

42. Developing a Musical
Opening Night – The show goes on, usually with a receptive audience filled with friends, family and supporters.

43. Developing a Musical
Opening Night – The show goes on, usually with a receptive audience filled with friends, family and supporters. If the producers are lucky, a reviewer attends and writes a favorable review.

44. Developing a Musical
Full Run of the Show – With luck and good word-of-mouth, the show does well and sells out during much of the run.

45. Developing a Musical
Full Run of the Show – With luck and good word-of-mouth, the show does well. The lobby is full of happy and satisfied customers.